How to buy a car in Spain and bring it to Romania: DGT, ITP and export

You can buy safely only if you hold back payment until the car’s identity, the seller’s right to sell, DGT encumbrances and export documents are consistent. The main decision is straightforward: pay after checking the documents and the car, and choose to drive it only if you have written evidence for the plates, ITV and insurance for the whole route. Registers describe recorded data, the physical inspection describes the condition accessible on the day of inspection, and RAR, the tax authority and SPCRPCIV determine the Romanian formalities; the three checks do not replace one another. 1 2 3

This guide concerns a Romanian-resident private individual buying for personal use and not registered for VAT. In Spain, ITP is the transfer tax settled through Model 620 in the applicable branch, while ITV is the technical inspection required for green plates; neither replaces Romania’s roadworthiness ITP.

Before the deposit: identity, documents and encumbrances

Compare the vehicle VIN with the Spanish circulation permit, technical card and contract or invoice. Identify the seller, their capacity and right to sell; trace continuity of ownership and request the originals of the registration, purchase and technical documents. A photograph or copy does not automatically replace an original later required by RAR or SPCRPCIV. If the VIN, registered holder or documents do not match up, stop the deposit. 4 1 5 6

Request the complete DGT report; do not rely on the free reducido report. The complete report may include the administrative holder, ITV history, mileage, owners, encumbrances, technical data and recorded maintenance or recalls, but only to the extent of data held by DGT. 7

A registered reserva de dominio does not disappear merely because the loan has been paid. You need the finance provider’s cancellation letter, registration of the cancellation in the Registro de Bienes Muebles and then an updated report; the only different branch is a documented debt subrogation. Embargo and precinto are distinct encumbrances: some transfers with an embargo may be possible with disclosure, but a precinto prevents the issue of the circulation permit until it is cancelled. Clarify the exact entry before export. 8 9

Spanish origin does not rule out flooding, corrosion, structural repairs or electrical and air-conditioning problems. Combine the report with an inspection of the actual car; the service limitations are explained below. 7

Spanish tax, deregistration and transport

For a taxable used-vehicle sale to a non-resident buyer, the state tax page identifies the buyer as taxpayer for Spanish transfer tax (ITP), through Model 620. The basis is the higher of the real value and the value from the official depreciated tables, the rate is 4%, and the deadline is 30 working days from the contract. VAT-taxable sales fall outside this branch; any dealer exemption depends on the applicable conditions and must not be assumed, so classify the transaction before signing. 12

Permanent baja for transfer to another state and temporary green plates are two separate operations. For export to another EU state, obtain the DGT baja and retain the original circulation permit, technical card and purchase document. Export green plates are requested by the holder or authorised representative, after baja, with a valid ITV and are normally issued for 60 days. This Spanish duration does not guarantee recognition of the plates or insurance as far as Romania. 9 13

The ES–FR–DE–AT–HU–RO corridor is only an editorial example. For the actual date, driver, owner and route, obtain written confirmation of the validity of the export registration, technical inspection and territorial insurance in every state crossed. If any link is undocumented, transport the car as a load on a vehicle transporter; do not add both options to the budget. 14 6

In Romania: RAR, VAT and local tax

For a used car last registered in an EU state, RAR may issue a CIV directly if there is EU type approval and the approved configuration has not been modified; otherwise it may require individual approval. RAR carries out the technical check and authenticity certification. A CoC is mandatory in the WLTP branch specified by RAR, usually for vehicles manufactured after 31 August 2018, but the year is not the only legal test. 1 5 15

The authenticity check examines the identification elements and the authenticity of the foreign document. The certificate serves one registration only and is valid for no more than 60 calendar days; it does not prove condition, civil ownership, absence of finance or complete history. 2 15

For VAT, a car is new if it has at most 6,000 km or is delivered within six months of first registration. It is used only if it has more than 6,000 km and delivery occurs after more than six months; equality at either threshold keeps the “new” branch. For a private individual not registered for VAT, the intra-Community acquisition of a new vehicle is taxed in Romania at the standard rate of 21%. For a vehicle exceeding both thresholds, additional Romanian acquisition VAT does not normally arise, but the invoice depends on the seller and the normal or margin scheme; do not assume a net price, deduction or refund. 10 11 16

If the registration applicant is the non-VAT-registered intra-Community buyer, the file requires the ANAF certificate for VAT paid or not due. For a vehicle that is new for VAT purposes, submit D301 and pay before registration, no later than the applicable tax deadline; foreign documents for ANAF must be accompanied by authorised translations. The ANAF certificate is not the local tax clearance certificate. 4 17 18 11

Since 25 February 2026, Article 159(5²) requires the buyer of a means of transport to have a certificate concerning obligations to the local budget of their domicile or electronic verification, while paragraph (6) links nullity to breach of paragraphs (5) and (5²). The text does not expressly resolve territorial application or the mechanics of a contract with a foreign seller. Before signing, confirm with your own competent local tax authority how to obtain the certificate or electronic verification for your case; do not start from a categorical conclusion of validity, nullity or exemption. 19 20 4

After RAR issues the CIV, declare the vehicle acquired abroad to the local tax authority within 30 days from the CIV, not from the contract, and register the proof of ownership there. You then submit the application to SPCRPCIV for your domicile. As applicable, the file requires the fiscally registered proof of ownership, identity, CIV, valid RCA in the name of the owner or authorised holder, ITP and authenticity valid on the registration date, fees, and the original Spanish documents and plates; some checks may be electronic. 21 4 17 22

Temporary use and final checks

A Romanian provisional authorisation is issued in the owner’s name, requires valid RCA for the specified person and permits driving only in Romania. The normal cumulative period is a maximum of 90 days; if the foreign registration documents for a previously registered car are missing, the special branch is a maximum of five days. 17

For a vehicle with Spanish plates held by a Romanian resident, the limit is 90 days from entry into Romania, only while the vehicle remains insured. It does not extend a registration, plate, ITP or insurance that expires earlier, does not run from the contract and does not validate international transit. Record and retain evidence of the entry date. 26

RAR Auto-Pass costs 42 lei where data exist, is valid for 60 days and reflects only the RAR register. Where data are absent, it produces a free negative document, which does not prove a clean or complete foreign history. The statutory obligation to hand it over concerns vehicles registered, recorded or placed on the market in Romania; do not automatically transfer it to the Spanish seller on the first direct import. 25 27

Frequently asked questions

Is the DGT reducido report enough?

No. Before the deposit, request the complete report, which adds the holder, ITV, mileage, owners, encumbrances and other recorded data. It too does not show information DGT does not hold and does not replace a physical inspection. 7

When is the car “new” for VAT?

When it has at most 6,000 km or delivery takes place within six months of first registration. It becomes used only above 6,000 km and after more than six months; equality at one threshold still means “new”. 10, 11

What is the role of the ANAF certificate?

For the non-VAT-registered intra-Community buyer applying for registration, it certifies VAT paid or that it is not due. It is not the buyer’s local tax clearance certificate and does not replace registration of the proof of ownership with the local authority. 4, 18, 11

When do the 30 days for local tax declaration start?

For a vehicle acquired outside Romania, the deadline runs from RAR’s issue of the CIV, under Article 471(3), not from the Spanish contract. 21, 4

Can I drive from Spain with Romanian red plates?

No. The Romanian provisional authorisation permits driving only in Romania, is issued in the owner’s name and requires valid RCA. The usual limit is 90 cumulative days; without the foreign documents, the special branch has a maximum of five days. 17

Does a RAR Auto-Pass negative document prove that the history is clean?

No. It shows only that the RAR register has no data from which to issue the certificate and is free. It does not rule out foreign incidents, mileage or repairs, and does not automatically create an obligation for the Spanish seller on the first direct import. 25, 27

What can and cannot a CarAudit inspection confirm?

It can cover up to 270 points, depending on access to the car, a lift and the legal conditions for a test drive. It does not involve dismantling, does not cover faults arising after the inspection, and the certificate is not a guarantee within the meaning of the Civil Code. It does not promise a complete history, every test for any VIN, transport, import/registration formalities or the absence of future faults. 3

Is a CarAudit inspection confirmed anywhere in Spain and at a fixed price?

No. For Spain, the specific locality, availability, price, timeframe and scope of the inspection must be confirmed by contact. Do not assume the €239 price or a report within 48 hours before a response for your case. 28, 29, 30

If you have found a car in Spain, send the exact locality and vehicle details to request confirmation of availability, price, timeframe and scope of the inspection. For Spain, these are confirmed individually before any promise; the check does not include transport or RAR, tax and registration formalities. 3, 30

Sources

1. RAR — CIV for used vehicles last registered in the EU
2. RAR — authenticity certification
3. CarAudit Romania — what we inspect
4. Bucharest Prefecture — vehicle-registration guidance
5. RAR — documents for DOIIT activities
6. Your Europe — Buying or leasing a car abroad
7. DGT — vehicle report
8. DGT — transferring vehicles with financial encumbrances
9. DGT — permanent deregistration for transfer to another country
10. Your Europe — VAT when buying or selling a car abroad
11. ANAF Brașov — VAT and vehicle acquisitions
12. Agencia Tributaria — Model 620 for non-residents
13. DGT — temporary registration and green plates
14. Your Europe — Buying or leasing a car abroad
15. RNTR 7 — authenticity and individual approval
16. ANAF — Romanian VAT rates
17. MAI Order No. 181/2024 — registration and provisional circulation
18. ANAF Order No. 1611/2022
19. Romanian Tax Procedure Code, consolidated text — Article 159
20. Emergency Ordinance No. 7 of 24 February 2026
21. Law No. 296/2020 — amendment to Article 471(3)
22. MAI service hub — vehicle registration
23. MAI Order No. 55/2025 — registration-plate tariffs
24. Buzău Prefecture — fee notice dated 2 September 2026
25. RAR Auto-Pass — official service information
26. Emergency Ordinance No. 195/2002 — Article 82(4)
27. Law No. 142/2023 — RAR Auto-Pass
28. CarAudit Romania — home and order section
29. CarAudit Romania — frequently asked questions
30. CarAudit Romania — contact